Fast multi-beam listen before talk

ABSTRACT

Facilitating fast multi-beam listen before talk in advanced networks (e.g., 4G, 5G, 6G, and beyond) is provided herein. Operations of a device can comprise determining a first inactivity in a first beam based on a first performance of a first listen before talk procedure in the first beam and, based on determining the first inactivity, analyzing a presence of an activity in a second beam based on a second performance of a second listen before talk procedure in the second beam. Further, the operations can comprise, based on determining a lack of the presence of the activity in the second beam, transmitting a signal via the second beam. In an example, analyzing the presence of the activity in the second beam can be performed prior to completion of the determining the first inactivity in the first beam.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to the field of wireless communicationand, more specifically, to accessing unlicensed shared spectrum inwireless communication systems for advanced networks (e.g., 4G, 5G, 6G,and beyond).

BACKGROUND

To meet the huge demand for data centric applications, Third GenerationPartnership Project (3GPP) systems and systems that employ one or moreaspects of the specifications of the Fourth Generation (4G) standard forwireless communications will be extended to a Fifth Generation (5G)and/or Sixth Generation (6G) standard for wireless communications.Unique challenges exist to provide levels of service associated withforthcoming 5G, 6G, and/or other next generation, standards for wirelesscommunication.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various non-limiting embodiments are further described with reference tothe accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example, non-limiting, wireless communicationsystem in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example, non-limiting, block diagram of anadvanced communications network in which fast multi-beam listen beforetalk can be facilitated in accordance with one or more embodimentsdescribed herein;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example, non-limiting, block diagram of a deviceconfigured to perform fast listen before talk in accordance with one ormore embodiments described herein;

FIG. 4 illustrates another example, non-limiting, block diagram of adevice configured to perform fast listen before talk in accordance withone or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 5 illustrates an example, non-limiting, device that employsautomated learning to facilitate one or more of the disclosed aspects inaccordance with one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting,computer-implemented method that facilitates fast multi-beam listenbefore talk in advanced networks in accordance with one or moreembodiments described herein;

FIG. 7 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting,computer-implemented method that facilitates fast multi-beam listenbefore talk in advanced networks in accordance with one or moreembodiments described herein;

FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting,computer-implemented method that facilitates fast multi-beam listenbefore talk in advanced networks in accordance with one or moreembodiments described herein;

FIG. 9 illustrates an example block diagram of an example mobile handsetoperable to engage in a system architecture that facilitates wirelesscommunications according to one or more embodiments described herein;and

FIG. 10 illustrates an example block diagram of an example computeroperable to engage in a system architecture that facilitates wirelesscommunications according to one or more embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more embodiments are now described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings in which example embodiments areshown. In the following description, for purposes of explanation,numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the various embodiments. However, the variousembodiments can be practiced without these specific details (and withoutapplying to any particular networked environment or standard).

Described herein are devices, systems, methods, articles of manufacture,and other embodiments or implementations that can facilitate fast listenbefore talk in advanced networks. Listen before talk is a coexistencemechanism used by wireless technologies, such as Wi-Fi, to accessunlicensed shared spectrum, such as the Industrial, Scientific andMedical (ISM) radio band and/or Unlicensed National InformationInfrastructure radio band (5 GHz). A form of listen before talk isrequired by regulation in some countries and regions, such as Europe andJapan. In the United States, although listen before talk is not requiredby regulation, it is used by Wi-Fi and LTE License Assisted Access (LAA)for coexistence purposes. As a coexistence mechanism listen before talkcan be improved significantly with transmit and receive beamforming. 5Gsystems, especially for mmWave spectrum, will have a large number ofantenna elements which could be used for analog, digital, and/or hybridbeamforming. With Time Division Duplex (TDD) transmission, everytransmit beam has a corresponding receive beam with identicalcharacteristics. Using this property, a transceiver can tell if otherusers are active on some beams but not on other beams. This allows thetransceiver to use the inactive beams for its transmissions, thusincreasing channel reuse efficiency without causing interference. Thedisclosed aspects provide novel ways to find inactive beams quickly,thereby decreasing channel access latency and increasing userthroughputs and network capacity. The various aspects discussed hereincan also be used for 5G random access using licensed spectrum and/orother advanced networks.

In one embodiment, described herein is a method that can comprisedetecting, by a network device of a group of network devices, a firstinactivity on a first beam. The first inactivity can indicate a firstabsence of first radio interference on the first beam. Detecting thefirst inactivity can be performed for a first interval. The method canalso comprise detecting, by the network device, a second inactivity on asecond beam for a second interval, shorter than the first interval. Thesecond inactivity can indicate a second absence of second radiointerference on the second beam. The method can also comprise inresponse to the detecting the second inactivity on the second beam,facilitating, by the network device, a transmission of a signal via thesecond beam. Further, the network device can comprise a processor.

In an example, detecting the first inactivity can comprise performing,by the network device, a listen before talk procedure in the first beam.Further to this example, detecting the second inactivity can compriseinitiating, by the network device, a shortened listen before talkprocedure in the second beam upon completion of the listen before talkprocedure in the first beam. Alternatively, detecting the secondinactivity can comprise initiating a shortened listen before talkprocedure in the second beam before completion of the listen before talkprocedure in the first beam.

In some implementations, facilitating the transmission of the signal cancomprise facilitating the transmission of the signal to a single userdevice. Alternatively, facilitating the transmission of the signal cancomprise facilitating the transmission of the signal to a group of userdevices.

Multi-channel operation can be facilitated according to someimplementations. For example, the multi-channel operation can befacilitated based on use of a shortened listen before talk procedure fora second channel and the second beam.

In some implementations, the method can comprise additionally detecting,by the network device, an n-th inactivity on an n-th beam for an n-thinterval, shorter than the first interval. The n-th inactivity canindicate an n-th absence of an n-th radio interference on the n-th beam.Further, in response to detecting the n-th inactivity on the n-th beam,the method can comprise facilitating, by the network device, a secondtransmission of a second signal via the n-th beam.

According to some implementations, the method can comprise, afterdetecting the second inactivity, suspending, by the network device, asearch for an activity on an n-th beam. Suspending the search cancomprise mitigating an amount of network traffic congestion in acommunications network.

In some implementations, detecting the first inactivity can comprisedetermining an interference direction based on a coarse scanning withthe first beam. The first beam can be a broad beam and the second beamcan be a narrow beam. In some cases, the first beam can be a primarybeam, and the second beam can be a secondary beam. Further, the firstbeam can be a narrow beam and the second beam can be a broad beam.

According to some implementations, facilitating the transmission of thesignal via the second beam can comprise facilitating the transmission ofthe signal via a spatial channel configured to operate according to afifth generation wireless network communication protocol.

Another embodiment relates to a device that can comprise a processor anda memory that stores executable instructions that, when executed by theprocessor, facilitate performance of operations. The operations cancomprise determining a first inactivity in a first beam based on a firstperformance of a first listen before talk procedure in the first beam.The first inactivity can indicate an absence of first radio interferenceon the first beam. Further, the first listen before talk procedure cancomprise a first duration. The operations can also comprise based ondetermining the first inactivity, analyzing a presence of an activity ina second beam based on a second performance of a second listen beforetalk procedure in the second beam. The second listen before talkprocedure can comprise a second duration shorter than the firstduration. Further, the operations can comprise based on determining alack of the presence of the activity in the second beam, transmitting asignal via the second beam. In an example, analyzing the presence of theactivity in the second beam can be performed prior to completion of thedetermining the first inactivity in the first beam.

In some implementations, the operations can comprise, based ondetermining the lack of the presence of the inactivity, temporarilysuspending additional searches for activities on additional beams otherthan the first beam and the second beam. Further to theseimplementations, the first beam can be a broad beam based on asynchronization signal block and the second beam can be a narrow beambased on a channel state information resource signal. The operations cancomprise performing beam refinement comprising detecting a firstdirection of interference based on a coarse scan of first radiointerference during the first listen before talk procedure performed onthe broad beam. Further, transmitting the signal via the narrow beam cancomprise transmitting the signal via the second beam in a seconddirection different from the first direction of interference.Alternatively, or additionally, transmitting the signal via the secondbeam can comprise transmitting the signal via a spatial channelconfigured to operate according to a fifth generation wireless networkcommunication protocol.

Another embodiment relates to a machine-readable storage medium,comprising executable instructions that, when executed by a processor ofa mobile device, facilitate performance of operations. The operationscan comprise determining a first inactivity on a first beam based on afirst detection procedure performed over a first time interval. Thefirst inactivity can indicate a first absence of first radiointerference on the first beam. The operations can also comprise, inresponse to determining the first inactivity, determining a secondinactivity on a second beam based on a second detection procedureperformed over a second time interval. The second time interval can beshorter than the first time interval, and the second inactivity canindicate a second absence of second radio interference on the secondbeam. The operations can also comprise using the first beam to transmita first signal via a first spatial channel and the second beam totransmit a signal via a second spatial channel In an example,determining the second inactivity on the second beam can be initiatedprior to a completion of the first detection procedure.

In some implementations, the operations can comprise, after thedetermining the second inactivity on the second beam, temporarilysuspending additional detection procedures performed on additionalbeams, other than the first beam and the second beam.

In further detail, Wi-Fi and LTE LAA use listen before talk to determineif one or more unlicensed band channels are clear for transmission. Forexample, 5G systems, equipped with a large number of antennas elements,can perform listen before talk in multiple beams (e.g., directions) todetermine which beams are inactive and use the inactive beams fortransmission. In this case, a transmitting node (e.g., a network device,a base station, and so on) has to perform a full listen before talkprocedure on each intended beam or direction on which transmission isdesired. Searching for inactive beams can result in high latency andcomputational overhead if the number of beams is large.

The procedure becomes even more problematic if the transmitting nodewants to use multiple beams for transmission. After discovery of a firstinactive beam, searching for additional beams can have several unwantedconsequences. The first beam may become active (e.g., occupied byanother user if the first beam is not used soon). A reservation signalcan be transmitted to keep the first beam from being occupied. Thissignal, however, can interfere with listening for additional beams. Evenif additional beams were found and used for transmission along with thefirst beam, the time spent looking for additional beams means that thereis an impact on latency and throughputs. Therefore, looking foradditional beams for transmission may not always pay off in the end.This becomes even more problematic when the transmitting node wants totransmit to multiple users using Multiuser Multiple Input, MultipleOutput (Mu-MIMO). The chances of finding multiple inactive beams forconcurrent transmission to multiple users diminishes greatly as the timerequired to sense activity increases.

Various benefits can be achieved with the disclosed aspects. Forexample, the disclosed aspects can allow future networks to coexist wellwith on other in a shared spectrum. Further, the disclosed aspects canenable lower latency, higher capacity, and better user experience.Further, the various aspects discussed herein can allow for an efficientrandom access procedure in licensed spectrum for 5G radio and/or otheradvanced networks.

Referring now to FIG. 1, illustrated is an example, non-limiting,wireless communication system 100 in accordance with one or moreembodiments described herein. In one or more embodiments, the wirelesscommunication system 100 can comprise one or more user equipment devices(UEs), illustrated as a first UE 102 ₁, a second UE 102 ₂. It is notedthat although only two UEs are illustrated for purposes of simplicity,the wireless communication system 100 can comprise a multitude of UEs.The non-limiting term user equipment can refer to any type of devicethat can communicate with a network node in a cellular or mobilecommunication system. A UE can comprise one or more antenna panelshaving vertical and horizontal elements. Examples of a UE comprise atarget device, device to device (D2D) UE, machine type UE or UE capableof machine to machine (M2M) communications, personal digital assistant(PDA), tablet, mobile terminals, smart phone, laptop mounted equipment(LME), universal serial bus (USB) dongles enabled for mobilecommunications, a computer having mobile capabilities, a mobile devicesuch as cellular phone, a laptop having laptop embedded equipment (LEE,such as a mobile broadband adapter), a tablet computer having a mobilebroadband adapter, a wearable device, a virtual reality (VR) device, aheads-up display (HUD) device, a smart car, a machine-type communication(MTC) device, and the like. User equipment (e.g., the first UE 102 ₁,the second UE 102 ₂) can also comprise Internet of Things (IOT) devicesthat communicate wirelessly.

In various embodiments, the wireless communication system 100 is or cancomprises a wireless communication network serviced by one or morewireless communication network providers. In example embodiments, a UE(e.g., the first UE 102 ₁, the second UE 102 ₂) can be communicativelycoupled to the wireless communication network via a network node device104. The network node (e.g., network node device) can communicate withuser equipment (UE), thus providing connectivity between the UE and thewider cellular network.

A network node can comprise a cabinet and/or other protected enclosures,an antenna mast, and multiple antennas for performing varioustransmission operations (e.g., MIMO operations). Network nodes can serveseveral cells, also called sectors, depending on the configuration andtype of antenna. In example embodiments, the UE (e.g., the first UE 102₁, the second UE 102 ₂) can send and/or receive communication data via awireless link to the network node device 104. The dashed arrow linesfrom the network node device 104 to the UE (e.g., the first UE 102 ₁,the second UE 102 ₂) represent a downlink (DL) communications and thesolid arrow lines from the UE (e.g., the first UE 102 ₁, the second UE102 ₂) to the network nodes (e.g., the network node device 104)represents an uplink (UL) communication.

The wireless communication system 100 can further comprise one or morecommunication service provider networks 106 that can facilitateproviding wireless communication services to various UEs, (e.g., thefirst UE 102 ₁, the second UE 102 ₂), via the network node device 104and/or various additional network devices (not shown) included in theone or more communication service provider networks 106. The one or morecommunication service provider networks 106 can include various types ofdisparate networks, including but not limited to: cellular networks,femto networks, picocell networks, microcell networks, internet protocol(IP) networks, Wi-Fi service networks, broadband service network,enterprise networks, cloud based networks, and the like. For example, inat least one implementation, wireless communication system 100 can be orcan include a large scale wireless communication network that spansvarious geographic areas. According to this implementation, the one ormore communication service provider networks 106 can be or can includethe wireless communication network and/or various additional devices andcomponents of the wireless communication network (e.g., additionalnetwork devices and cell, additional UEs, network server devices, etc.).The network node device 104 can be connected to the one or morecommunication service provider networks 106 via one or more backhaullinks 108. For example, the one or more backhaul links 108 can comprisewired link components, such as a T1/E1 phone line, a digital subscriberline (DSL) (e.g., either synchronous or asynchronous), an asymmetric DSL(ADSL), an optical fiber backbone, a coaxial cable, and the like. Theone or more backhaul links 108 can also comprise wireless linkcomponents, such as but not limited to, line-of-sight (LOS) or non-LOSlinks which can include terrestrial air-interfaces or deep space links(e.g., satellite communication links for navigation).

The wireless communication system 100 can employ various cellularsystems, technologies, and modulation modes to facilitate wireless radiocommunications between devices (e.g., the UE (e.g., the first UE 102 ₁,the second UE 102 ₂) and the network node device 104). While exampleembodiments might be described for 5G new radio (NR) systems, theembodiments can be applicable to any radio access technology (RAT) ormulti-RAT system where the UE operates using multiple carriers e.g. LTEFDD/TDD, GSM/GERAN, CDMA2000, and so on.

For example, the wireless communication system 100 can operate inaccordance with Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), UniversalMobile Telecommunications Service (UMTS), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTEfrequency division duplexing (LTE FDD), LTE Time Division Duplexing(TDD), High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), Code Division Multiple Access(CDMA), Wideband CDMA (WCMDA), CDMA2000, Time Division Multiple Access(TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Multi-Carrier CodeDivision Multiple Access (MC-CDMA), Single-Carrier Code DivisionMultiple Access (SC-CDMA), Single-Carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA), OrthogonalFrequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), DISCRETE FOURIER TRANSFORMSPREAD OFDM (DFT-spread OFDM) Single Carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA), FILTER BANKBASED MULTI-CARRIER (FBMC), Zero Tail DFT-spread-OFDM (ZT DFT-s-OFDM),Generalized Frequency Division Multiplexing (GFDM), Fixed MobileConvergence (FMC), Universal Fixed Mobile Convergence (UFMC), UNIQUEWORD OFDM (UW-OFDM), Unique Word DFT-spread OFDM (UW DFT-Spread-OFDM),Cyclic Prefix OFDM CP-OFDM, resource-block-filtered OFDM, Wi Fi, WLAN,WiMax, and the like. However, various features and functionalities ofthe wireless communication system 100 are particularly described whereinthe devices (e.g., the UEs (e.g., the first UE 102 ₁, the second UE 102₂) and the network node device 104) of the wireless communication system100 are configured to communicate wireless signals using one or moremulti carrier modulation schemes, wherein data symbols can betransmitted simultaneously over multiple frequency subcarriers (e.g.,OFDM, CP-OFDM, DFT-spread OFMD, UFMC, FMBC, etc.). The embodiments areapplicable to single carrier as well as to MultiCarrier (MC) or CarrierAggregation (CA) operation of the UE. The term carrier aggregation isalso called (e.g. interchangeably called) “multi-carrier system,”“multi-cell operation,” “multi-carrier operation,” “multi-carrier”transmission and/or reception. Note that some embodiments are alsoapplicable for Multi RAB (radio bearers) on some carriers (that is dataplus speech is simultaneously scheduled).

In various embodiments, the wireless communication system 100 can beconfigured to provide and employ 5G wireless networking features andfunctionalities. 5G wireless communication networks are expected tofulfill the demand of exponentially increasing data traffic and to allowpeople and machines to enjoy gigabit data rates with virtually zerolatency. Compared to 4G, 5G supports more diverse traffic scenarios. Forexample, in addition to the various types of data communication betweenconventional UEs (e.g., phones, smartphones, tablets, PCs, televisions,Internet enabled televisions, etc.) supported by 4G networks, 5Gnetworks can be employed to support data communication between smartcars in association with driverless car environments, as well as machinetype communications (MTCs).

In some implementations, a transmitting node (e.g., the network nodedevice 104 and/or one or more UEs (e.g., the first UE 102 ₁, the secondUE 102 ₂)) can perform listen before talk in a first beam. When listenbefore talk completes in the first beam (or before listen before talkreaches completion) indicting the first beam is available fortransmissions, the network node device 104 and/or the one or more UEscan look for additional inactive beams by performing a shortened listenbefore talk procedure on the other beams. The first beam and/or secondbeam, both determined to be inactive, can be used for transmission toone or more receivers.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example, non-limiting, block diagram of anadvanced communications network 200 in which fast multi-beam listenbefore talk can be facilitated networks in accordance with one or moreembodiments described herein. Repetitive description of like elementsemployed in other embodiments described herein is omitted for sake ofbrevity.

The advanced communications network 200 can comprise the network nodedevice 104, the first UE 102 ₁ and the second UE 102 ₂. Although only asingle network device and two UE devices are illustrated, the disclosedaspects are not limited to this implementation and any number of networkdevices and UE devices can be utilized in the advanced communicationsnetwork 200.

As discussed herein, multi-carrier listen before talk is a procedureused by Wi-Fi and LAA to access multiple unlicensed channels. In thisprocedure, a node (e.g., the network node device 104, the first UE 102 ₁and the second UE 102 ₂) can perform full listen before talk procedureon a primary channel (e.g., a first beam 202). If, and when, the channelis found to be inactive, the node can perform a short listen before talkprocedure on other channels (e.g., a second beam 204, an n-th beam 206,or other beams, where n is an integer) to determine whether the otherchannels are inactive. The channels found to be inactive using the shortlisten before talk procedure can be used for transmission along with thefirst channel.

In further detail, a node (e.g., the network node device 104, the firstUE 102 ₁, the second UE 102 ₂) can perform listen before talk in thefirst beam 202. The first beam 202 can be referred to as a primary beam.When listen before talk completes in the primary beam (or before listenbefore talk reaches completion) indicating that the first beam 202 isavailable for transmission, the node (e.g., the network node device 104,the first UE 102 ₁, the second UE 102 ₂) can look for additionalinactive beams by doing a short listen before talk procedure on theother beams (e.g., the second beam 204, the n-th beam 206, and so on).The other beams can be referred to as secondary beams. The node can usethe primary beam and the one or more secondary beams found inactive forits transmission to the intended receiver or receivers (e.g., thenetwork node device 104, the first UE 102 ₁ and the second UE 102 ₂)using single-user or multi-user MIMO, respectively. The short listenbefore talk can be for a short inter-frame spacing (SIFS) period. In anon-limiting example, the SIFS period can be around 25 micro-seconds, ora different time interval. According to some implementations, a singleback off counter can be used for the primary beam.

Additionally, or alternatively, the short listen before talk procedureon the secondary beams can be based on a full listen before talkprocedure comprising multiple sensing or defer periods. For example, thetransmitting node can pause or can freeze the listen before talk counterbefore the final defer period until the primary beam completes the fulllisten before talk procedure. Alternatively, the primary and secondarybeams can perform the final defer period sensing jointly if thetransmitter is capable of sensing on multiple beams simultaneously. Aseparate and independent back off can be used.

The primary and secondary beams can be selected based on receiverfeedback, transmitter sensing, or a combination of the receiver feedbackand transmitter sensing. In a non-limiting example, the primary beam canbe associated with a single synchronization signal block (SSB), whilethe secondary beams correspond to SSBs with different identifiers (IDs)than the SSB of the primary beam. According to another non-limitingexample, the primary and secondary beams can be associated withdifferent CSI-RS resource configurations. In yet another non-limitingexample the primary and secondary beams can be associated with a mix ofSSBs and CSI-RS configurations.

In another embodiment, a node can perform listen before talk in aprimary beam on a primary frequency channel. When listen before talkcompletes (or nears completion) in the primary beam and the primarychannel, the node can look for additional channels and additional beamsby using a single shot listen before talk procedure on various beam andchannel combinations. The node then can use the primary and secondarychannels on the primary and secondary beams found to be inactive for itstransmission to the intended receiver or receivers. The primary andsecondary beams and channels can be selected based on receiver feedback,transmitter sensing, or a combination of the two. Different frequencychannels can be available on different beams. This can be handled by theuse of bandwidth parts (BWP) where bandwidth parts not available can beturned off and not used for transmission. The listen before talkparameters used for the primary and secondary beams can be configured bythe network and can include channel access priority, energy detectionthreshold, maximum channel occupancy time (MCOT), and so on.

The disclosed aspects are applicable to TDD equipment with a number ofantenna elements capable of transmit and receive beamforming. In someimplementations, each transmit beam of the equipment can have acorresponding receive beam of the same equipment with identicalpropagation characteristics (gain, pattern, etc.). For example, the twobeams can be reciprocal. Narrowband or wideband beamforming can beemployed although narrowband beamforming assumes that coexistingnetworks do not interfere with each other outside of the narrow bandwhere listen before talk is used. This has implications for networksynchronization and use of compatible numerology. Further, the disclosedaspects are applicable to analog, digital, and/or hybrid beamforming.The various aspects can also apply to azimuthal, elevation, and/or 3Dbeamforming. Beam activity and/or channel activity can be detected usingenergy detection or preamble detection. Cat 4 or other forms of listenbefore talk can be employed. Listen before talk can be performed at thetransmitter end, the receiver end or at both the transmitter end and thereceiver end. This can, for example, correspond to the indication of oneor more beam-pair-links (BPL) corresponding to a beam at the transmitterand a beam at the intended receiver. Beam activity and/or channelactivity indication can be jointly or independently determined andexchanged between the transmitter and intended receiver(s) (e.g. requestto send and clear to send messages or signals).

FIG. 3 illustrates an example, non-limiting, block diagram of a device300 configured to perform fast listen before talk in accordance with oneor more embodiments described herein. Aspects of devices (e.g., thedevice 300 and the like), systems, apparatuses, or processes explainedin this disclosure can constitute machine-executable component(s)embodied within machine(s), e.g., embodied in one or more computerreadable mediums (or media) associated with one or more machines. Suchcomponent(s), when executed by the one or more machines, e.g.,computer(s), computing device(s), virtual machine(s), etc. can cause themachine(s) to perform the operations described.

In various embodiments, the device 300 can be any type of component,machine, system, facility, apparatus, and/or instrument that comprises aprocessor and/or can be capable of effective and/or operativecommunication with a wired and/or wireless network. Components,machines, apparatuses, systems, facilities, and/or instrumentalitiesthat can comprise the device 300 can include network devices, basestations, tablet computing devices, handheld devices, server classcomputing machines and/or databases, laptop computers, notebookcomputers, desktop computers, cell phones, smart phones, consumerappliances and/or instrumentation, industrial and/or commercial devices,hand-held devices, digital assistants, multimedia Internet enabledphones, multimedia players, and the like.

The device 300 can be a network device (e.g., the network node device104) and/or a user equipment device (e.g., the first UE 102 ₁, thesecond UE 102 ₂). The device 300 can comprise an analysis component 302,a detection component 304, a transmitter/receiver component 306, atleast one memory 308, at least one processor 310, and at least one datastore 312.

The analysis component 302 can be configured to perform listen beforetalk procedures in a wireless communications network. According to someimplementations, the listen before talk procedures can be multi-beamlisten before talk procedures. Further, the analysis component 302 canbe configured to perform a first listen before talk procedure in a firstbeam (e.g., a primary beam) and a second listen before talk procedure inat least a second beam (e.g., a secondary beam). The first listen beforetalk procedure can be a full first listen before talk procedure and thesecond listen before talk procedure can be a shortened listen beforetalk procedure. For example, the first listen before talk procedure cancomprise a first duration and the second listen before talk procedurecan comprise a second duration, where the second duration is shorterthan the first duration. In addition, the second before talk procedure(and/or and n-th or subsequent listen before talk procedures) can beinitiated before completion of the first listen before talk procedure,or upon or after the completion of the first listen before talkprocedure. Performing the second listen before talk procedure prior tocompletion of the first listen before talk procedure, can decreasechannel access latency and increasing user throughputs and networkcapacity based on quickly finding inactive beams.

Based on a first performance of a first listen before talk procedureperformed by the analysis component 302 in the first beam (e.g., thefirst beam 202), the detection component 304 can be configured todetermine an activity or an inactivity in the first beam. The activityindicates a presence of first radio interference on the first beam. Theinactivity indicates an absence of first radio interference on the firstbeam. The inactivity also indicates that the first beam is available fortransmission.

If it is determined there is inactivity in the first beam, the analysiscomponent 302 can initiate the second talk before procedure in at leasta second beam (e.g., a secondary beam). The determination of inactivityin the first beam can be ascertained prior to completion of the firstlisten before talk procedure.

According to some implementations, the analysis component 302 canperform respective shortened listen before talk procedures in secondbeams of a set of second beams. For example, the set of second beams canbe determined to be secondary beams associated with the first beam(e.g., the primary beam). The primary and/or secondary beams can beselected based on various parameters including, for example, receiverfeedback, transmitter (e.g., the device 300) sensing, and/or acombination thereof.

In an example, the short listen before talk procedure performed in thesecond beam (or set of second beams) can be based on a full listenbefore talk procedure that can comprise multiple sensing and/or deferperiods. For example, the analysis component 302 (or another systemcomponent) can pause or freeze a counter (e.g., a listen before talkcounter) prior to a final defer period until the first scan of theprimary beam complete the full listen before talk procedure.Alternatively, the first beam and second beam (or second set of beams)can perform the final defer period sensing at about the same time,provided the device 300 (e.g., the analysis component 302) is capable ofsensing on multiple beams at the same time, or substantially the sametime.

The transmitter/receiver component 306 can be configured to use thebeams determined to be inactive (e.g., the first beam and the secondbeam, or set of second beams) to transmit a signal. If one or moresecond beams are determined to be active, the transmitter/receivercomponent 306 does not transmit a signal on those beams. Thetransmitter/receiver component 306 can use the beams determined to beinactive for transmission to an intended receiver (or more than onereceiver). For example, the transmitter/receiver component 306 can usesingle-user MIMO for a single receiver and multi-user MIMO for more thanone receiver. The transmitter/receiver component 306 can transmit thesignal via a spatial channel configured to operate according to a fifthgeneration wireless network communication protocol.

The transmitter/receiver component 306 can be configured to transmit to,and/or receive data from other devices (e.g., other network devices,and/or other user equipment devices). Through the transmitter/receivercomponent 306, the device 300 can concurrently transmit and receivedata, can transmit and receive data at different times, or combinationsthereof. According to some implementations, the transmitter/receivercomponent 306 can facilitate communications between the device 300 andother devices.

In an embodiment, channel activity can be detected based on detectingenergy in a receive beam. In other embodiments, if the device 300 isable to decode a preamble associated with the beam, the device 300 candetermine that there is channel activity such that transmitting to theintended receiver should be halted until the activity has ceased.

The energy required to be detected for the device 300 to determine thatactivity is taking place can be a predetermined value that can bedifferent based on different contexts. For instance, a wide beam canhave a higher energy requirement than a narrow beam. Similarly, if adevice to be communicated with is far away, a lower energy threshold canbe set, while a closer device can have a higher energy threshold. Theenergy threshold can also vary based on the channel (e.g., frequency ofthe transmission), as well as based on the communication protocol andtechnology type (e.g., cellular, 5G, Wi-Fi, etc.).

In an embodiment, various forms of listen before talk can be employed.Each of the CCA parameters backoff counter, maximum channel occupancytime (MCOT) size, energy detection threshold, contention window maximumsize may be configured jointly or independently for each of the multiplebeams and or beam combinations or subsets thereof. Multi-beam listenbefore talk can be performed at the transmitter end, the receiver end orboth. This may for example correspond to the indication of one or morebeam-pair-links (BPL) corresponding to a beam at the transmitter and abeam at the intended receiver. The CCA indication may be jointly orindependently determined and exchanged between the transmitter andintended receiver (e.g. request to send and clear to send messages orsignals) on the basis of one or more configured BPLs in case ofMulti-beam listen before talk operation.

Multi-beam listen before talk can also be performed for multiplefrequency channels as in multi-channel listen before talk. In oneexample, the multi-beam and multi-channel listen before talk areperformed independently (e.g. CCA is performed using all combinations ofchannels and beam/beam combinations). In another example, multi-beam andmulti-channel listen before talk are performed jointly such that CCA isperformed on a subset of possible combinations of channels and beamsselected based on a criterion such as transmitter/receiver capabilities,performance metric, or regulatory constraints (e.g., max EIRP in a givenbandwidth).

The at least one memory 308 can be operatively connected to the at leastone processor 310. The at least one memory 308 can store executableinstructions that, when executed by the at least one processor 310 canfacilitate performance of operations. Further, the at least oneprocessor 310 can be utilized to execute computer executable componentsstored in the at least one memory 308.

For example, the at least one memory 308 can store protocols associatedwith fast multi-beam listen before talk in advanced networks asdiscussed herein. Further, the at least one memory 308 can facilitateaction to control communication between device 300, other networkdevices, and/or other user equipment devices such that the device 300can employ stored protocols and/or algorithms to achieve improvedcommunications in a wireless network as described herein.

It should be appreciated that data stores (e.g., memories) componentsdescribed herein can be either volatile memory or nonvolatile memory, orcan include both volatile and nonvolatile memory. By way of example andnot limitation, nonvolatile memory can include read only memory (ROM),programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM),electrically erasable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory caninclude random access memory (RAM), which acts as external cache memory.By way of example and not limitation, RAM is available in many formssuch as synchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM(SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM),Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM). Memory of thedisclosed aspects are intended to comprise, without being limited to,these and other suitable types of memory.

The at least one processor 310 can facilitate respective analysis ofinformation related to fast multi-beam listen before talk in advancednetworks. The at least one processor 10 can be a processor dedicated toanalyzing and/or generating information received, a processor thatcontrols one or more components of the device 300, and/or a processorthat both analyzes and generates information received and controls oneor more components of the device 00.

Further, the term network device (e.g., network node, network nodedevice) is used herein to refer to any type of network node servingcommunication devices and/or connected to other network nodes, networkelements, or another network node from which the communication devicescan receive a radio signal. In cellular radio access networks (e.g.,universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) networks), networknodes can be referred to as base transceiver stations (BTS), radio basestation, radio network nodes, base stations, NodeB, eNodeB (e.g.,evolved NodeB), and so on. In 5G terminology, the network nodes can bereferred to as gNodeB (e.g., gNB) devices. Network nodes can alsocomprise multiple antennas for performing various transmissionoperations (e.g., MIMO operations). A network node can comprise acabinet and other protected enclosures, an antenna mast, and actualantennas. Network nodes can serve several cells, also called sectors,depending on the configuration and type of antenna. Examples of networknodes (e.g., network node device 104) can include but are not limitedto: NodeB devices, base station (BS) devices, access point (AP) devices,and radio access network (RAN) devices. The network nodes can alsoinclude multi-standard radio (MSR) radio node devices, comprising: anMSR BS, an eNode B, a network controller, a radio network controller(RNC), a base station controller (BSC), a relay, a donor nodecontrolling relay, a base transceiver station (BTS), a transmissionpoint, a transmission node, a Remote Radio Unit (RRU), a Remote RadioHead (RRH), nodes in distributed antenna system (DAS), and the like.

FIG. 4 illustrates another example, non-limiting, block diagram of adevice 400 configured to perform fast listen before talk in accordancewith one or more embodiments described herein. Repetitive description oflike elements employed in other embodiments described herein is omittedfor sake of brevity. The device 400 can comprise one or more of thecomponents and/or functionality of the device 300 and vice versa.

The device can comprise a suspension component 402 that can beconfigured to suspend additional searches for inactive beams upon orafter the detection component 304 determines that the first beam and thesecond beam are inactive. For example, the suspension component 402 can,at least temporarily, suspend additional searches for activities onadditional beams other than the first beam and the second beam.

Accordingly, the device 400 is not continuously looking for inactivebeams. For example, from a co-existence perspective continuously lookingfor inactive beam can create an excessive amount of interference. Theterm “co-existence” can mean there are multiple nodes (e.g., networkdevices, user equipment devices) in the vicinity and those nodes arealso looking for beams. Thus, if the nodes (including the device 400)are constantly looking for inactive beams, additional (unnecessary)congestion can be created in the wireless network. This is because oneor more nodes might find slivers of inactively between a lot ofactivity, then one or more nodes could attempt to transmit and therewill be a collision or back off, which can trigger more congestion.

According to some implementations, various conditions can be associatedwith the suspension component 402. For example, if a beam (e.g., asecondary beam) is determined to be inactive, the analysis component 302can quit searching. Thus, if a secondary beam is inactive, there mightbe some restrictions on further search for other beams. Further, findingone secondary beam to be active can indicate that there might beactivity on other beams (e.g., other secondary beams).

In accordance with some non-limiting implementations, the primary beamcan be associated with a single synchronization signal block (SSB), andthe secondary beams can correspond to SSBs with different identifiers(IDs) than the SSB of the primary beam. According to anothernon-limiting implementation, the primary and secondary beams can beassociated with different CSI-RS resource configurations. In yet anothernon-limiting implementation, the primary and secondary beams can beassociated with a mixture of SSBs and CSI-RS configurations.

Additionally, or alternatively, the device 400 can comprise a beamrefinement component 404 that can be configured to perform beamrefinement. For example, the first beam or primary beam can be a broadbeam and the second beam or secondary beam (or multiple beams) can benarrow beam(s).

The beam refinement component 404 can detect a first direction ofinterference based on a coarse scan of first radio interference duringthe first listen before talk procedure performed on the broad beam.Further, the transmitter/receiver component 306 can transmit the signalvia the narrow beam. For example, the transmitter/receiver component 306can transmit the signal via the second beam in a second directiondifferent from the first direction of interference.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example, non-limiting, device 500 that employsautomated learning to facilitate one or more of the disclosed aspects inaccordance with one or more embodiments described herein. Repetitivedescription of like elements employed in other embodiments describedherein is omitted for sake of brevity. The device 500 can comprise oneor more of the components and/or functionality of the device 300, thedevice 400, and vice versa.

As illustrated, the device 500 can comprise a machine learning andreasoning component 502 that can be utilized to automate one or more ofthe disclosed aspects. The machine learning and reasoning component 502can employ automated learning and reasoning procedures (e.g., the use ofexplicitly and/or implicitly trained statistical classifiers) inconnection with performing inference and/or probabilistic determinationsand/or statistical-based determinations in accordance with one or moreaspects described herein.

For example, the machine learning and reasoning component 502 can employprinciples of probabilistic and decision theoretic inference.Additionally, or alternatively, the machine learning and reasoningcomponent 502 can rely on predictive models constructed using machinelearning and/or automated learning procedures. Logic-centric inferencecan also be employed separately or in conjunction with probabilisticmethods.

The machine learning and reasoning component 502 can infer activityand/or inactivity on beams, beams that should be classified as primaryor secondary, how to select beams, and so on, by obtaining knowledgeabout the possible actions and knowledge about historical information(e.g., which beams are usually inactive, which beams are usually active,which beams are inactive based on inactivity of another beam),implementation details, wireless network configuration details, and soon. Based on this knowledge, the machine learning and reasoningcomponent 502 can make an inference based on which actions to implement,which beams to check for activity/inactivity, which secondary beamsshould be checked after checking a primary beam, whether to suspend asearch for additional inactive beams, or combinations thereof.

As used herein, the term “inference” refers generally to the process ofreasoning about or inferring states of a system, a component, a module,an environment, and/or devices from a set of observations as capturedthrough events, reports, data and/or through other forms ofcommunication. Inference can be employed to identify a specific contextor action related to determine activity and/or inactivity of one or morebeams, or can generate a probability distribution over states, forexample. The inference can be probabilistic. For example, computation ofa probability distribution over states of interest based on aconsideration of data and/or events. The inference can also refer totechniques employed for composing higher-level events from a set ofevents and/or data. Such inference can result in the construction of newevents and/or actions from a set of observed events and/or stored eventdata, whether or not the events are correlated in close temporalproximity, and whether the events and/or data come from one or severalevents and/or data sources. Various classification schemes and/orsystems (e.g., support vector machines, neural networks, logic-centricproduction systems, Bayesian belief networks, fuzzy logic, data fusionengines, and so on) can be employed in connection with performingautomatic and/or inferred action in connection with the disclosedaspects.

The various aspects (e.g., in connection with implementing fastmulti-beam listen before talk procedures) can employ various artificialintelligence-based schemes for carrying out various aspects thereof. Forexample, a process for determining if a particular beam should besearch, if a search should be temporarily suspended, and so on, can beenabled through an automatic classifier system and process.

A classifier is a function that maps an input attribute vector, x=(x1,x2, x3, x4, xn), to a confidence that the input belongs to a class. Inother words, f(x)=confidence (class). Such classification can employ aprobabilistic and/or statistical-based analysis (e.g., factoring intothe analysis utilities and costs) to provide a prognosis and/or inferone or more actions that should be employed to determine the beams onwhich a listen before talk should be automatically performed.

A Support Vector Machine (SVM) is an example of a classifier that can beemployed. The SVM operates by finding a hypersurface in the space ofpossible inputs, which hypersurface attempts to split the triggeringcriteria from the non-triggering events. Intuitively, this makes theclassification correct for testing data that can be similar, but notnecessarily identical to training data. Other directed and undirectedmodel classification approaches (e.g., naïve Bayes, Bayesian networks,decision trees, neural networks, fuzzy logic models, and probabilisticclassification models) providing different patterns of independence canbe employed. Classification as used herein, can be inclusive ofstatistical regression that is utilized to develop models of priority.

One or more aspects can employ classifiers that are explicitly trained(e.g., through a generic training data) as well as classifiers that areimplicitly trained (e.g., by observing network channel behavior, byreceiving extrinsic information, and so on). For example, SVM's can beconfigured through a learning or training phase within a classifierconstructor and feature selection module. Thus, a classifier(s) can beused to automatically learn and perform a number of functions, includingbut not limited to determining, according to a predetermined criterion,when to implement one or more listen before talk procedures, whichlisten before talk procedures to implement (e.g., a full listen beforetalk procedure, a shortened listen before talk procedure), timing ofinitiation of a shorted listen before talk procedure when a primary beamis determined to be inactive, and so forth. The criteria can include,but is not limited to, similar channel information, historicalinformation, and so forth.

Additionally, or alternatively, an implementation scheme (e.g., a rule,a policy, and so on) can be applied to control and/or regulate listenbefore talk procedures and resulting actions, inclusion of a group ofchannels to search, and so forth. In some implementations, based upon apredefined criterion, the rules-based implementation can automaticallyand/or dynamically interpret results of various listen before talkprocedures. In response thereto, the rule-based implementation canautomatically interpret and carry out functions associated with thevarious listen before talk procedures by employing a predefined and/orprogrammed rule(s) based upon any desired criteria.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting,computer-implemented method 600 that facilitates fast multi-beam listenbefore talk in advanced networks in accordance with one or moreembodiments described herein. Repetitive description of like elementsemployed in other embodiments described herein is omitted for sake ofbrevity.

In some implementations, a system comprising a processor can perform thecomputer-implemented method 600 and/or other methods discussed herein.In other implementations, a device (e.g., a network device, a userequipment device) comprising a processor can perform thecomputer-implemented method 600 and/or other methods discussed herein.In other implementations, a machine-readable storage medium, cancomprise executable instructions that, when executed by a processor,facilitate performance of operations, which can be the operationsdiscussed with respect to the computer-implemented method 600 and/orother methods discussed herein. In further implementations, a computerreadable storage device comprising executable instructions that, inresponse to execution, cause a system comprising a processor to performoperations, which can be operations discussed with respect to thecomputer-implemented method 600 and/or other methods discussed herein.

At 602 of the computer-implemented method 600, a device operativelycoupled to one or more processors, can detect a first inactivity on afirst beam (e.g., via the detection component 304). The first inactivitycan indicate an absence of first radio interference on the first beam.Further, detecting the first inactivity can be performed for a firstinterval.

A second inactivity can be detected on a second beam for a secondinterval, at 604 of the computer-implemented method 600 (e.g., via thedetection component 304). The second interval can be shorter than thefirst interval. The second inactivity can indicate an absence of secondradio interference on the second beam. In response to detecting thesecond inactivity on the second beam, at 606 of the computer-implementedmethod 600, the device can facilitate a transmission of a signal via thesecond beam (via the transmitter/receiver component 306).

According to an implementation, detecting the first inactivity (at 602)can comprise performing a listen before talk procedure in the firstbeam. Further to this implementation, detecting the second inactivity(at 604) can comprise initiating, by the device, a short listen beforetalk procedure in the second beam upon completion of the listen beforetalk procedure in the first beam. Alternatively, detecting the secondinactivity can comprise initiating a short listen before talk procedurein the second beam before completion of the listen before talk procedurein the first beam.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting,computer-implemented method 700 that facilitates fast multi-beam listenbefore talk in advanced networks in accordance with one or moreembodiments described herein. Repetitive description of like elementsemployed in other embodiments described herein is omitted for sake ofbrevity.

In some implementations, a system comprising a processor can perform thecomputer-implemented method 700 and/or other methods discussed herein.In other implementations, a device (e.g., a network device, a userequipment device) comprising a processor can perform thecomputer-implemented method 700 and/or other methods discussed herein.In other implementations, a machine-readable storage medium, cancomprise executable instructions that, when executed by a processor,facilitate performance of operations, which can be the operationsdiscussed with respect to the computer-implemented method 700 and/orother methods discussed herein. In further implementations, a computerreadable storage device comprising executable instructions that, inresponse to execution, cause a system comprising a processor to performoperations, which can be operations discussed with respect to thecomputer-implemented method 700 and/or other methods discussed herein.

At 702 of the computer-implemented method 700, a first inactivity on afirst beam can be determined based on a first detection procedureperformed over a first time interval (e.g., via the detection component304). The first inactivity can indicate an absence of first radiointerference on the first beam. In response to determining the firstinactivity, a second inactivity on a second beam can be determined at704 of the computer-implemented method 700 (e.g., via the detectioncomponent 304). The second inactivity can be determined based on asecond detection procedure performed over a second time interval.Further, the second time interval can be shorter than the first timeinterval. The second inactivity can indicate an absence of second radiointerference on the second beam. In addition, the second inactivity onthe second beam can be initiated prior to a completion of the firstdetection procedure.

Additional detection procedures performed on additional beams, otherthan the first beam and the second beam, can be temporarily suspended at706 of the computer-implemented method 700 (e.g., via the suspensioncomponent 402). For example, the search for additional beams can besuspended in order to relieve network traffic congestion.

Further, at 708 of the computer-implemented method 700, the first beamcan be used to transmit a first signal via a first spatial channel andthe second beam can be used to transmit a signal via a second spatialchannel (e.g., via the transmitter/receiver component 306).

FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting,computer-implemented method 800 that facilitates fast multi-beam listenbefore talk in advanced networks in accordance with one or moreembodiments described herein. Repetitive description of like elementsemployed in other embodiments described herein is omitted for sake ofbrevity.

In some implementations, a system comprising a processor can perform thecomputer-implemented method 800 and/or other methods discussed herein.In other implementations, a device (e.g., a network device, a userequipment device) comprising a processor can perform thecomputer-implemented method 800 and/or other methods discussed herein.In other implementations, a machine-readable storage medium, cancomprise executable instructions that, when executed by a processor,facilitate performance of operations, which can be the operationsdiscussed with respect to the computer-implemented method 800 and/orother methods discussed herein. In further implementations, a computerreadable storage device comprising executable instructions that, inresponse to execution, cause a system comprising a processor to performoperations, which can be operations discussed with respect to thecomputer-implemented method 800 and/or other methods discussed herein.

A first listen before talk procedure can be performed in a primary beam,at 802 of the computer-implemented method 800 (e.g., via the analysiscomponent 302). A determination is made, at 804 of thecomputer-implemented method 800, whether activity or inactivity isdetected in the primary beam (e.g., via the detection component 304).The activity indicates a presence of a first radio interference on thefirst beam. The inactivity indicates an absence of first radiointerference on the first beam.

If activity is detected in the first beam, the computer-implementedmethod 800 can return to 802 and another listen before talk procedurecan be performed in another primary beam. It is to be understood thatthe determination of whether activity or inactivity is present in aprimary beam and scanning of another primary beam can be recursive, suchthat any number of primary beams can be scanned until a beam is found tobe inactive or until all primary beams (or a defined number of primarybeams) are scanned, whether or not the primary beams are active orinactive (e.g., multiple inactive primary beams can be found).

Alternatively, if inactivity is detected in the first beam, at 806 ofthe computer-implemented method 800 a second listen before talkprocedure can be performed in a secondary beam (e.g., via the analysiscomponent 302). The primary and secondary beams can be selected based onvarious criteria including, but not limited to, receiver feedback and/ortransmitter sensing. According to an implementation, the primary beamcan be associated with a single SSB and the secondary beam(s) cancorrespond to SSBs with different IDs than the SSB of the primary beam.In accordance with some implementations, the primary and secondary beamscan be associated with different CSI-RS resource configurations. In yetanother implementation, the primary and secondary beams can beassociated with a mix of SSBs and CSI-RS configurations.

At 808 of the computer-implemented method 800, another determination canbe made whether activity or inactivity is detected in the secondary beam(e.g., via the detection component 304). The activity indicates apresence of a second radio interference on the second beam. Theinactivity indicates an absence of second radio interference on thesecond beam. Subsequent secondary beams (e.g., n-th beams, thirdsecondary beams, fourth secondary beams, fifth secondary beams, and soon) can be analyzed in a similar manner.

If activity is detected in the second beam, the computer-implementedmethod 800 can return to 806 and another listen before talk procedurecan be performed in another secondary beam. It is to be understood thatthe determination of whether activity or inactivity is present in asecond beam and scanning of another second beam can be recursive, suchthat any number of secondary beams can be scanned until a beam is foundto be inactive. Alternatively, the scanning of another second beam canbe performed until all secondary beams are scanned or based on adetermination that no further additional secondary beams need to bescanned.

At 810 of the computer-implemented method 800, the first beam can beused to transmit a first signal via a first spatial channel and thesecond beam can be used to transmit a signal via a second spatialchannel (e.g., via the transmitter/receiver component 306).

While, for purposes of simplicity of explanation, some methods are shownand described as a series of blocks, it is to be understood andappreciated that the disclosed aspects are not limited by the number ororder of blocks, as some blocks can occur in different orders and/or atsubstantially the same time with other blocks from what is depicted anddescribed herein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks can be requiredto implement the disclosed methods. It is to be appreciated that thefunctionality associated with the blocks can be implemented by software,hardware, a combination thereof, or any other suitable means (e.g.device, system, process, component, and so forth). Additionally, itshould be further appreciated that the disclosed methods are capable ofbeing stored on an article of manufacture to facilitate transporting andtransferring such methods to various devices. Those skilled in the artwill understand and appreciate that the methods could alternatively berepresented as a series of interrelated states or events, such as in astate diagram.

The various aspects described herein can relate to New Radio (NR), whichcan be deployed as a standalone radio access technology or as anon-standalone radio access technology assisted by another radio accesstechnology, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), for example. It should benoted that although various aspects and embodiments have been describedherein in the context of 5G, Universal Mobile Telecommunications System(UMTS), and/or Long Term Evolution (LTE), or other next generationnetworks, the disclosed aspects are not limited to 5G, a UMTSimplementation, and/or an LTE implementation as the techniques can alsobe applied in 3G, 4G, or LTE systems. For example, aspects or featuresof the disclosed embodiments can be exploited in substantially anywireless communication technology. Such wireless communicationtechnologies can include UMTS, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA),Wi-Fi, Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), GeneralPacket Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced GPRS, Third Generation PartnershipProject (3GPP), LTE, Third Generation Partnership Project 2 (3GPP2)Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), EvolvedHigh Speed Packet Access (HSPA+), High-Speed Downlink Packet Access(HSDPA), High-Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), Zigbee, or anotherIEEE 802.XX technology. Additionally, substantially all aspectsdisclosed herein can be exploited in legacy telecommunicationtechnologies.

As used herein, “5G” can also be referred to as NR access. Accordingly,systems, methods, and/or machine-readable storage media for facilitatingchannel state information determination and reporting in wirelesscommunication systems for advanced networks are desired. As used herein,one or more aspects of a 5G network can comprise, but is not limited to,data rates of several tens of megabits per second (Mbps) supported fortens of thousands of users; at least one gigabit per second (Gbps) to beoffered simultaneously to tens of users (e.g., tens of workers on thesame office floor); several hundreds of thousands of simultaneousconnections supported for massive sensor deployments; spectralefficiency significantly enhanced compared to 4G; improvement incoverage relative to 4G; signaling efficiency enhanced compared to 4G;and/or latency significantly reduced compared to LTE.

Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MIMO) systems can significantlyincrease the data carrying capacity of wireless systems. For thesereasons, MIMO is an integral part of the 3^(rd) and 4^(th) generationwireless systems. 5G systems can also employ MIMO systems, also calledmassive MIMO systems (e.g., hundreds of antennas at the Transmitter sideand/Receiver side). In an example of a (N_(t),N_(r)) system, where N_(t)denotes the number of transmit antennas and N_(r) denotes the receiveantennas, and where N is an integer, the peak data rate multiplies witha factor of N_(t) over single antenna systems in rich scatteringenvironment.

Described herein are systems, methods, articles of manufacture, andother embodiments or implementations that can facilitate fast multi-beamlisten before talk in advanced networks. Facilitating de fast multi-beamlisten before talk in advanced networks can be implemented in connectionwith any type of device with a connection to the communications network(e.g., a mobile handset, a computer, a handheld device, etc.) anyInternet of things (IoT) device (e.g., toaster, coffee maker, blinds,music players, speakers, etc.), and/or any connected vehicles (cars,airplanes, space rockets, and/or other at least partially automatedvehicles (e.g., drones)). In some embodiments, the non-limiting termUser Equipment (UE) is used. It can refer to any type of wireless devicethat communicates with a radio network node in a cellular or mobilecommunication system. Examples of UE are target device, device to device(D2D) UE, machine type UE or UE capable of machine to machine (M2M)communication, PDA, Tablet, mobile terminals, smart phone, LaptopEmbedded Equipped (LEE), laptop mounted equipment (LME), USB donglesetc. Note that the terms element, elements and antenna ports can beinterchangeably used but carry the same meaning in this disclosure. Theembodiments are applicable to single carrier as well as to Multi-Carrier(MC) or Carrier Aggregation (CA) operation of the UE. The term CarrierAggregation (CA) is also called (e.g., interchangeably called)“multi-carrier system,” “multi-cell operation,” “multi-carrieroperation,” “multi-carrier” transmission and/or reception.

In some embodiments, the non-limiting term radio network node or simplynetwork node is used. It can refer to any type of network node thatserves one or more UEs and/or that is coupled to other network nodes ornetwork elements or any radio node from where the one or more UEsreceive a signal. Examples of radio network nodes are Node B, BaseStation (BS), Multi-Standard Radio (MSR) node such as MSR BS, eNode B,network controller, Radio Network Controller (RNC), Base StationController (BSC), relay, donor node controlling relay, Base TransceiverStation (BTS), Access Point (AP), transmission points, transmissionnodes, Remote Radio Unit (RRU), Remote Radio Head (RRH), nodes inDistributed Antenna System (DAS) etc.

Cloud Radio Access Networks (RAN) can enable the implementation ofconcepts such as Software-Defined Network (SDN) and Network FunctionVirtualization (NFV) in 5G networks. This disclosure can facilitate ageneric channel state information framework design for a 5G network.Certain embodiments of this disclosure can comprise an SDN controllerthat can control routing of traffic within the network and between thenetwork and traffic destinations. The SDN controller can be merged withthe 5G network architecture to enable service deliveries via openApplication Programming Interfaces (APIs) and move the network coretowards an all Internet Protocol (IP), cloud based, and software driventelecommunications network. The SDN controller can work with, or takethe place of, Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) network elementsso that policies such as quality of service and traffic management androuting can be synchronized and managed end to end.

Referring now to FIG. 9, illustrated is an example block diagram of anexample mobile handset 900 operable to engage in a system architecturethat facilitates wireless communications according to one or moreembodiments described herein. Although a mobile handset is illustratedherein, it will be understood that other devices can be a mobile device,and that the mobile handset is merely illustrated to provide context forthe embodiments of the various embodiments described herein. Thefollowing discussion is intended to provide a brief, general descriptionof an example of a suitable environment in which the various embodimentscan be implemented. While the description includes a general context ofcomputer-executable instructions embodied on a machine-readable storagemedium, those skilled in the art will recognize that the innovation alsocan be implemented in combination with other program modules and/or as acombination of hardware and software.

Generally, applications (e.g., program modules) can include routines,programs, components, data structures, etc., that perform particulartasks or implement particular abstract data types. Moreover, thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that the methods described herein canbe practiced with other system configurations, includingsingle-processor or multiprocessor systems, minicomputers, mainframecomputers, as well as personal computers, hand-held computing devices,microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, and the like,each of which can be operatively coupled to one or more associateddevices.

A computing device can typically include a variety of machine-readablemedia. Machine-readable media can be any available media that can beaccessed by the computer and includes both volatile and non-volatilemedia, removable and non-removable media. By way of example and notlimitation, computer-readable media can comprise computer storage mediaand communication media. Computer storage media can include volatileand/or non-volatile media, removable and/or non-removable mediaimplemented in any method or technology for storage of information, suchas computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, orother data. Computer storage media can include, but is not limited to,RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD ROM,digital video disk (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magneticcassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magneticstorage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store thedesired information, and which can be accessed by the computer.

Communication media typically embodies computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated datasignal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and includesany information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means asignal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed insuch a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example,and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as awired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such asacoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media. Combinations of the anyof the above should also be included within the scope ofcomputer-readable media.

The handset includes a processor 902 for controlling and processing allonboard operations and functions. A memory 904 interfaces to theprocessor 902 for storage of data and one or more applications 906(e.g., a video player software, user feedback component software, etc.).Other applications can include voice recognition of predetermined voicecommands that facilitate initiation of the user feedback signals. Theapplications 906 can be stored in the memory 904 and/or in a firmware908, and executed by the processor 902 from either or both the memory904 or/and the firmware 908. The firmware 908 can also store startupcode for execution in initializing the handset 900. A communicationscomponent 910 interfaces to the processor 902 to facilitatewired/wireless communication with external systems, e.g., cellularnetworks, VoIP networks, and so on. Here, the communications component910 can also include a suitable cellular transceiver 911 (e.g., a GSMtransceiver) and/or an unlicensed transceiver 913 (e.g., Wi-Fi, WiMax)for corresponding signal communications. The handset 900 can be a devicesuch as a cellular telephone, a PDA with mobile communicationscapabilities, and messaging-centric devices. The communicationscomponent 910 also facilitates communications reception from terrestrialradio networks (e.g., broadcast), digital satellite radio networks, andInternet-based radio services networks.

The handset 900 includes a display 912 for displaying text, images,video, telephony functions (e.g., a Caller ID function), setupfunctions, and for user input. For example, the display 912 can also bereferred to as a “screen” that can accommodate the presentation ofmultimedia content (e.g., music metadata, messages, wallpaper, graphics,etc.). The display 912 can also display videos and can facilitate thegeneration, editing and sharing of video quotes. A serial I/O interface914 is provided in communication with the processor 902 to facilitatewired and/or wireless serial communications (e.g., USB, and/or IEEE1394) through a hardwire connection, and other serial input devices(e.g., a keyboard, keypad, and mouse). This can support updating andtroubleshooting the handset 900, for example. Audio capabilities areprovided with an audio I/O component 916, which can include a speakerfor the output of audio signals related to, for example, indication thatthe user pressed the proper key or key combination to initiate the userfeedback signal. The audio I/O component 916 also facilitates the inputof audio signals through a microphone to record data and/or telephonyvoice data, and for inputting voice signals for telephone conversations.

The handset 900 can include a slot interface 918 for accommodating a SIC(Subscriber Identity Component) in the form factor of a card SubscriberIdentity Module (SIM) or universal SIM 920, and interfacing the SIM card920 with the processor 902. However, it is to be appreciated that theSIM card 920 can be manufactured into the handset 900, and updated bydownloading data and software.

The handset 900 can process IP data traffic through the communicationscomponent 910 to accommodate IP traffic from an IP network such as, forexample, the Internet, a corporate intranet, a home network, a personarea network, etc., through an ISP or broadband cable provider. Thus,VoIP traffic can be utilized by the handset 900 and IP-based multimediacontent can be received in either an encoded or decoded format.

A video processing component 922 (e.g., a camera) can be provided fordecoding encoded multimedia content. The video processing component 922can aid in facilitating the generation, editing, and sharing of videoquotes. The handset 900 also includes a power source 924 in the form ofbatteries and/or an AC power subsystem, which power source 924 caninterface to an external power system or charging equipment (not shown)by a power I/O component 926.

The handset 900 can also include a video component 930 for processingvideo content received and, for recording and transmitting videocontent. For example, the video component 930 can facilitate thegeneration, editing and sharing of video quotes. A location trackingcomponent 932 facilitates geographically locating the handset 900. Asdescribed hereinabove, this can occur when the user initiates thefeedback signal automatically or manually. A user input component 934facilitates the user initiating the quality feedback signal. The userinput component 934 can also facilitate the generation, editing andsharing of video quotes. The user input component 934 can include suchconventional input device technologies such as a keypad, keyboard,mouse, stylus pen, and/or touchscreen, for example.

Referring again to the applications 906, a hysteresis component 936facilitates the analysis and processing of hysteresis data, which isutilized to determine when to associate with the access point. Asoftware trigger component 938 can be provided that facilitatestriggering of the hysteresis component 936 when the Wi-Fi transceiver913 detects the beacon of the access point. A SIP client 940 enables thehandset 900 to support SIP protocols and register the subscriber withthe SIP registrar server. The applications 906 can also include a client942 that provides at least the capability of discovery, play and storeof multimedia content, for example, music.

The handset 900, as indicated above related to the communicationscomponent 910, includes an indoor network radio transceiver 913 (e.g.,Wi-Fi transceiver). This function supports the indoor radio link, suchas IEEE 802.11, for the dual-mode GSM handset 900. The handset 900 canaccommodate at least satellite radio services through a handset that cancombine wireless voice and digital radio chipsets into a single handhelddevice.

Referring now to FIG. 10, illustrated is an example block diagram of anexample computer 1000 operable to engage in a system architecture thatfacilitates wireless communications according to one or more embodimentsdescribed herein. The computer 1000 can provide networking andcommunication capabilities between a wired or wireless communicationnetwork and a server (e.g., Microsoft server) and/or communicationdevice. In order to provide additional context for various aspectsthereof, FIG. 10 and the following discussion are intended to provide abrief, general description of a suitable computing environment in whichthe various aspects of the innovation can be implemented to facilitatethe establishment of a transaction between an entity and a third party.While the description above is in the general context ofcomputer-executable instructions that can run on one or more computers,those skilled in the art will recognize that the innovation also can beimplemented in combination with other program modules and/or as acombination of hardware and software.

Generally, program modules include routines, programs, components, datastructures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particularabstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the inventive methods can be practiced with other computer systemconfigurations, including single-processor or multiprocessor computersystems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, as well as personalcomputers, hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer electronics, and the like, each of which can beoperatively coupled to one or more associated devices.

The illustrated aspects of the innovation can also be practiced indistributed computing environments where certain tasks are performed byremote processing devices that are linked through a communicationsnetwork. In a distributed computing environment, program modules can belocated in both local and remote memory storage devices.

Computing devices typically include a variety of media, which caninclude computer-readable storage media or communications media, whichtwo terms are used herein differently from one another as follows.

Computer-readable storage media can be any available storage media thatcan be accessed by the computer and includes both volatile andnonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example,and not limitation, computer-readable storage media can be implementedin connection with any method or technology for storage of informationsuch as computer-readable instructions, program modules, structureddata, or unstructured data. Computer-readable storage media can include,but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memorytechnology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD) or other optical diskstorage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage orother magnetic storage devices, or other tangible and/or non-transitorymedia which can be used to store desired information. Computer-readablestorage media can be accessed by one or more local or remote computingdevices, e.g., via access requests, queries or other data retrievalprotocols, for a variety of operations with respect to the informationstored by the medium.

Communications media can embody computer-readable instructions, datastructures, program modules or other structured or unstructured data ina data signal such as a modulated data signal, e.g., a carrier wave orother transport mechanism, and includes any information delivery ortransport media. The term “modulated data signal” or signals refers to asignal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed insuch a manner as to encode information in one or more signals. By way ofexample, and not limitation, communication media include wired media,such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless mediasuch as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media.

With reference to FIG. 10, implementing various aspects described hereinwith regards to the end-user device can include a computer 1000, thecomputer 1000 including a processing unit 1004, a system memory 1006 anda system bus 1008. The system bus 1008 couples system componentsincluding, but not limited to, the system memory 1006 to the processingunit 1004. The processing unit 1004 can be any of various commerciallyavailable processors. Dual microprocessors and other multi-processorarchitectures can also be employed as the processing unit 1004.

The system bus 1008 can be any of several types of bus structure thatcan further interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memorycontroller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety ofcommercially available bus architectures. The system memory 1006includes read-only memory (ROM) 1027 and random access memory (RAM)1012. A basic input/output system (BIOS) is stored in a non-volatilememory 1027 such as ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, which BIOS contains the basicroutines that help to transfer information between elements within thecomputer 1000, such as during start-up. The RAM 1012 can also include ahigh-speed RAM such as static RAM for caching data.

The computer 1000 further includes an internal hard disk drive (HDD)1014 (e.g., Enhanced Integrated Drive Electronics (EIDE), SerialAdvanced Technology Attachment (SATA)), which internal hard disk drive1014 can also be configured for external use in a suitable chassis (notshown), a magnetic Floppy Disk Drive (FDD) 1016, (e.g., to read from orwrite to a removable diskette 1018) and an optical disk drive 1020,(e.g., reading a CD-ROM disk 1022 or, to read from or write to otherhigh capacity optical media such as the DVD). The hard disk drive 1014,magnetic disk drive 1016 and optical disk drive 1020 can be connected tothe system bus 1008 by a hard disk drive interface 1024, a magnetic diskdrive interface 1026 and an optical drive interface 1028, respectively.The interface 1024 for external drive implementations includes at leastone or both of Universal Serial Bus (USB) and IEEE 1394 interfacetechnologies. Other external drive connection technologies are withincontemplation of the subject innovation.

The drives and their associated computer-readable media providenonvolatile storage of data, data structures, computer-executableinstructions, and so forth. For the computer 1000 the drives and mediaaccommodate the storage of any data in a suitable digital format.Although the description of computer-readable media above refers to aHDD, a removable magnetic diskette, and a removable optical media suchas a CD or DVD, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the artthat other types of media which are readable by a computer 1000, such aszip drives, magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, cartridges, and thelike, can also be used in the exemplary operating environment, andfurther, that any such media can contain computer-executableinstructions for performing the methods of the disclosed innovation.

A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and RAM 1012,including an operating system 1030, one or more application programs1032, other program modules 1034 and program data 1036. All or portionsof the operating system, applications, modules, and/or data can also becached in the RAM 1012. It is to be appreciated that the innovation canbe implemented with various commercially available operating systems orcombinations of operating systems.

A user can enter commands and information into the computer 1000 throughone or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., a keyboard 1038 and apointing device, such as a mouse 1040. Other input devices (not shown)can include a microphone, an IR remote control, a joystick, a game pad,a stylus pen, touchscreen, or the like. These and other input devicesare often connected to the processing unit 1004 through an input deviceinterface 1042 that is coupled to the system bus 1008, but can beconnected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, an IEEE 1394serial port, a game port, a USB port, an IR interface, etc.

A monitor 1044 or other type of display device is also connected to thesystem bus 1008 through an interface, such as a video adapter 1046. Inaddition to the monitor 1044, a computer 1000 typically includes otherperipheral output devices (not shown), such as speakers, printers, etc.

The computer 1000 can operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections by wired and/or wireless communications to one or moreremote computers, such as a remote computer(s) 1048. The remotecomputer(s) 1048 can be a workstation, a server computer, a router, apersonal computer, portable computer, microprocessor-based entertainmentdevice, a peer device or other common network node, and typicallyincludes many or all of the elements described relative to the computer,although, for purposes of brevity, only a memory/storage device 1050 isillustrated. The logical connections depicted include wired/wirelessconnectivity to a local area network (LAN) 1052 and/or larger networks,e.g., a wide area network (WAN) 1054. Such LAN and WAN networkingenvironments are commonplace in offices and companies, and facilitateenterprise-wide computer networks, such as intranets, all of which canconnect to a global communications network, e.g., the Internet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 1000 isconnected to the local network 1052 through a wired and/or wirelesscommunication network interface or adapter 1056. The adapter 1056 canfacilitate wired or wireless communication to the LAN 1052, which canalso include a wireless access point disposed thereon for communicatingwith the wireless adapter 1056.

When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 1000 can includea modem 1058, or is connected to a communications server on the WAN1054, or has other means for establishing communications over the WAN1054, such as by way of the Internet. The modem 1058, which can beinternal or external and a wired or wireless device, is connected to thesystem bus 1008 through the input device interface 1042. In a networkedenvironment, program modules depicted relative to the computer, orportions thereof, can be stored in the remote memory/storage device1050. It will be appreciated that the network connections shown areexemplary and other means of establishing a communications link betweenthe computers can be used.

The computer is operable to communicate with any wireless devices orentities operatively disposed in wireless communication, e.g., aprinter, scanner, desktop and/or portable computer, portable dataassistant, communications satellite, any piece of equipment or locationassociated with a wirelessly detectable tag (e.g., a kiosk, news stand,restroom), and telephone. This includes at least Wi-Fi and Bluetooth™wireless technologies. Thus, the communication can be a predefinedstructure as with a conventional network or simply an ad hoccommunication between at least two devices.

Wi-Fi, or Wireless Fidelity, allows connection to the Internet from acouch at home, in a hotel room, or a conference room at work, withoutwires. Wi-Fi is a wireless technology similar to that used in a cellphone that enables such devices, e.g., computers, to send and receivedata indoors and out; anywhere within the range of a base station. Wi-Finetworks use radio technologies called IEEE 802.11 (a, b, g, etc.) toprovide secure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity. A Wi-Fi networkcan be used to connect computers to each other, to the Internet, and towired networks (which use IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet). Wi-Fi networksoperate in the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands, at 7 Mbps (802.11a)or 54 Mbps (802.11b) data rate, for example, or with products thatcontain both bands (dual band), so the networks can provide real-worldperformance similar to the basic 16BaseT wired Ethernet networks used inmany offices.

An aspect of 5G, which differentiates from previous 4G systems, is theuse of NR. NR architecture can be designed to support multipledeployment cases for independent configuration of resources used forRACH procedures. Since the NR can provide additional services than thoseprovided by LTE, efficiencies can be generated by leveraging the prosand cons of LTE and NR to facilitate the interplay between LTE and NR,as discussed herein.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” or “anembodiment,” means that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment is includedin at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrase “in oneembodiment,” “in one aspect,” or “in an embodiment,” in various placesthroughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to thesame embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, orcharacteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or moreembodiments.

As used in this disclosure, in some embodiments, the terms “component,”“system,” “interface,” and the like are intended to refer to, orcomprise, a computer-related entity or an entity related to anoperational apparatus with one or more specific functionalities, whereinthe entity can be either hardware, a combination of hardware andsoftware, software, or software in execution, and/or firmware. As anexample, a component can be, but is not limited to being, a processrunning on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable, a threadof execution, computer-executable instructions, a program, and/or acomputer. By way of illustration and not limitation, both an applicationrunning on a server and the server can be a component.

One or more components can reside within a process and/or thread ofexecution and a component can be localized on one computer and/ordistributed between two or more computers. In addition, these componentscan execute from various computer readable media having various datastructures stored thereon. The components can communicate via localand/or remote processes such as in accordance with a signal having oneor more data packets (e.g., data from one component interacting withanother component in a local system, distributed system, and/or across anetwork such as the Internet with other systems via the signal). Asanother example, a component can be an apparatus with specificfunctionality provided by mechanical parts operated by electric orelectronic circuitry, which is operated by a software application orfirmware application executed by one or more processors, wherein theprocessor can be internal or external to the apparatus and can executeat least a part of the software or firmware application. As yet anotherexample, a component can be an apparatus that provides specificfunctionality through electronic components without mechanical parts,the electronic components can comprise a processor therein to executesoftware or firmware that confer(s) at least in part the functionalityof the electronic components. In an aspect, a component can emulate anelectronic component via a virtual machine, e.g., within a cloudcomputing system. While various components have been illustrated asseparate components, it will be appreciated that multiple components canbe implemented as a single component, or a single component can beimplemented as multiple components, without departing from exampleembodiments.

In addition, the words “example” and “exemplary” are used herein to meanserving as an instance or illustration. Any embodiment or designdescribed herein as “example” or “exemplary” is not necessarily to beconstrued as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments ordesigns. Rather, use of the word example or exemplary is intended topresent concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, theterm “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive“or.” That is, unless specified otherwise or clear from context, “Xemploys A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusivepermutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both Aand B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoinginstances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in thisapplication and the appended claims should generally be construed tomean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context tobe directed to a singular form.

Moreover, terms such as “mobile device equipment,” “mobile station,”“mobile,” subscriber station,” “access terminal,” “terminal,” “handset,”“communication device,” “mobile device” (and/or terms representingsimilar terminology) can refer to a wireless device utilized by asubscriber or mobile device of a wireless communication service toreceive or convey data, control, voice, video, sound, gaming orsubstantially any data-stream or signaling-stream. The foregoing termsare utilized interchangeably herein and with reference to the relateddrawings. Likewise, the terms “access point (AP),” “Base Station (BS),”BS transceiver, BS device, cell site, cell site device, “Node B (NB),”“evolved Node B (eNode B),” “home Node B (HNB)” and the like, areutilized interchangeably in the application, and refer to a wirelessnetwork component or appliance that transmits and/or receives data,control, voice, video, sound, gaming or substantially any data-stream orsignaling-stream from one or more subscriber stations. Data andsignaling streams can be packetized or frame-based flows.

Furthermore, the terms “device,” “communication device,” “mobiledevice,” “subscriber,” “customer entity,” “consumer,” “customer entity,”“entity” and the like are employed interchangeably throughout, unlesscontext warrants particular distinctions among the terms. It should beappreciated that such terms can refer to human entities or automatedcomponents supported through artificial intelligence (e.g., a capacityto make inference based on complex mathematical formalisms), which canprovide simulated vision, sound recognition and so forth.

Embodiments described herein can be exploited in substantially anywireless communication technology, comprising, but not limited to,Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Global System for Mobile Communications(GSM), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), WorldwideInteroperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), Enhanced General PacketRadio Service (enhanced GPRS), Third Generation Partnership Project(3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE), Third Generation Partnership Project 2(3GPP2) Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), High Speed Packet Access (HSPA),Z-Wave, Zigbee and other 802.XX wireless technologies and/or legacytelecommunication technologies.

The various aspects described herein can relate to New Radio (NR), whichcan be deployed as a standalone radio access technology or as anon-standalone radio access technology assisted by another radio accesstechnology, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), for example. It should benoted that although various aspects and embodiments have been describedherein in the context of 5G, Universal Mobile Telecommunications System(UMTS), and/or Long Term Evolution (LTE), or other next generationnetworks, the disclosed aspects are not limited to 5G, a UMTSimplementation, and/or an LTE implementation as the techniques can alsobe applied in 3G, 4G, or LTE systems. For example, aspects or featuresof the disclosed embodiments can be exploited in substantially anywireless communication technology. Such wireless communicationtechnologies can include UMTS, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA),Wi-Fi, Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), GeneralPacket Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced GPRS, Third Generation PartnershipProject (3GPP), LTE, Third Generation Partnership Project 2 (3GPP2)Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), EvolvedHigh Speed Packet Access (HSPA+), High-Speed Downlink Packet Access(HSDPA), High-Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), Zigbee, or anotherIEEE 802.XX technology. Additionally, substantially all aspectsdisclosed herein can be exploited in legacy telecommunicationtechnologies.

As used herein, the term “infer” or “inference” refers generally to theprocess of reasoning about, or inferring states of, the system,environment, user, and/or intent from a set of observations as capturedvia events and/or data. Captured data and events can include user data,device data, environment data, data from sensors, sensor data,application data, implicit data, explicit data, etc. Inference can beemployed to identify a specific context or action, or can generate aprobability distribution over states of interest based on aconsideration of data and events, for example.

Inference can also refer to techniques employed for composinghigher-level events from a set of events and/or data. Such inferenceresults in the construction of new events or actions from a set ofobserved events and/or stored event data, whether the events arecorrelated in close temporal proximity, and whether the events and datacome from one or several event and data sources. Various classificationprocedures and/or systems (e.g., support vector machines, neuralnetworks, expert systems, Bayesian belief networks, fuzzy logic, anddata fusion engines) can be employed in connection with performingautomatic and/or inferred action in connection with the disclosedsubject matter.

In addition, the various embodiments can be implemented as a method,apparatus, or article of manufacture using standard programming and/orengineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware, or anycombination thereof to control a computer to implement the disclosedsubject matter. The term “article of manufacture” as used herein isintended to encompass a computer program accessible from anycomputer-readable device, machine-readable device, computer-readablecarrier, computer-readable media, machine-readable media,computer-readable (or machine-readable) storage/communication media. Forexample, computer-readable media can comprise, but are not limited to, amagnetic storage device, e.g., hard disk; floppy disk; magneticstrip(s); an optical disk (e.g., compact disk (CD), a digital video disc(DVD), a Blu-ray Disc™ (BD)); a smart card; a flash memory device (e.g.,card, stick, key drive); and/or a virtual device that emulates a storagedevice and/or any of the above computer-readable media. Of course, thoseskilled in the art will recognize many modifications can be made to thisconfiguration without departing from the scope or spirit of the variousembodiments

The above description of illustrated embodiments of the subjectdisclosure, including what is described in the Abstract, is not intendedto be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed embodiments to the preciseforms disclosed. While specific embodiments and examples are describedherein for illustrative purposes, various modifications are possiblethat are considered within the scope of such embodiments and examples,as those skilled in the relevant art can recognize.

In this regard, while the subject matter has been described herein inconnection with various embodiments and corresponding figures, whereapplicable, it is to be understood that other similar embodiments can beused, or modifications and additions can be made to the describedembodiments for performing the same, similar, alternative, or substitutefunction of the disclosed subject matter without deviating therefrom.Therefore, the disclosed subject matter should not be limited to anysingle embodiment described herein, but rather should be construed inbreadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims below.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: detecting, by a networkdevice of a group of network devices, a first inactivity on a firstbeam, wherein the first inactivity indicates a first absence of firstradio interference on the first beam, and wherein the detecting thefirst inactivity is performed for a first interval, wherein the networkdevice comprises a processor; detecting, by the network device, a secondinactivity on a second beam for a second interval, shorter than thefirst interval, wherein the second inactivity indicates a second absenceof second radio interference on the second beam; and in response todetecting the second inactivity on the second beam, facilitating, by thenetwork device, a transmission of a signal via the second beam.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein detecting the first inactivity comprisesperforming, by the network device, a listen before talk procedure in thefirst beam.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein detecting the secondinactivity comprises initiating a shortened listen before talk procedurein the second beam before completion of the listen before talk procedurein the first beam.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein facilitating thetransmission of the signal comprises facilitating the transmission ofthe signal to a single user device.
 5. The method of claim 1, whereinfacilitating the transmission of the signal comprises facilitating thetransmission of the signal to a group of user devices.
 6. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising facilitating multi-channel operation basedon use of a shortened listen before talk procedure for a second channeland the second beam.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising:detecting, by the network device, an n-th inactivity on an n-th beam foran n-th interval, shorter than the first interval, wherein the n-thinactivity indicates an n-th absence of an n-th radio interference onthe n-th beam, and wherein n is an integer; and in response to detectingthe n-th inactivity on the n-th beam, facilitating, by the networkdevice, an n-th transmission of an n-th signal via the n-th beam.
 8. Themethod of claim 1, wherein detecting the first inactivity comprisesdetermining an interference direction based on a coarse scanning withthe first beam.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the first beam is abroad beam, and wherein the second beam is a narrow beam.
 10. The methodof claim 1, wherein the first beam is a primary beam, and wherein thesecond beam is a secondary beam.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein thefirst beam is a narrow beam and the second beam is a broad beam.
 12. Themethod of claim 1, wherein facilitating the transmission of the signalvia the second beam comprises facilitating the transmission of thesignal via a spatial channel configured to operate according to a fifthgeneration wireless network communication protocol.
 13. A device,comprising: a processor; and a memory that stores executableinstructions that, when executed by the processor, facilitateperformance of operations, comprising: determining a first inactivity ina first beam based on a first performance of a first listen before talkprocedure in the first beam, wherein the first inactivity indicates anabsence of first radio interference on the first beam, and wherein thefirst listen before talk procedure comprises a first duration; based ondetermining the first inactivity, analyzing a presence of an activity ina second beam based on a second performance of a second listen beforetalk procedure in the second beam, wherein the second listen before talkprocedure comprises a second duration shorter than the first duration;and based on determining a lack of the presence of the activity in thesecond beam, transmitting a signal via the second beam.
 14. The deviceof claim 13, wherein analyzing the presence of the activity in thesecond beam is performed after completion of the determining the firstinactivity in the first beam.
 15. The device of claim 13, whereinanalyzing the presence of the activity in the second beam is performedprior to completion of the determining the first inactivity in the firstbeam.
 16. The device of claim 13, wherein the first beam is a broad beambased on a synchronization signal block, wherein the second beam is anarrow beam based on a channel state information resource signal, andwherein the operations further comprise: performing beam refinementcomprising detecting a first direction of interference based on a coarsescan of first radio interference during the first listen before talkprocedure performed on the broad beam, and wherein transmitting thesignal via the narrow beam comprises transmitting the signal via thesecond beam in a second direction different from the first direction ofinterference.
 17. The device of claim 13, wherein transmitting thesignal via the second beam comprises transmitting the signal via aspatial channel configured to operate according to a fifth generationwireless network communication protocol.
 18. A non-transitorymachine-readable medium, comprising executable instructions that, whenexecuted by a processor of a mobile device, facilitate performance ofoperations, comprising: determining a first inactivity on a first beambased on a first detection procedure performed over a first timeinterval, wherein the first inactivity indicates a first absence offirst radio interference on the first beam; in response to determiningthe first inactivity, determining a second inactivity on a second beambased on a second detection procedure performed over a second timeinterval, wherein the second time interval is shorter than the firsttime interval, and wherein the second inactivity indicates a secondabsence of second radio interference on the second beam; and using thefirst beam to transmit a first signal via a first spatial channel andthe second beam to transmit a signal via a second spatial channel. 19.The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 18, whereindetermining the second inactivity on the second beam is initiated priorto a completion of the first detection procedure.
 20. The non-transitorymachine-readable medium of claim 18, wherein the operations furthercomprise: after determining the second inactivity on the second beam,temporarily suspending additional detection procedures performed onadditional beams, other than the first beam and the second beam.